Melrose Borough, Building Permit Applications

Descriptive Data

Archives Identifier00042Date Range1900-1903DescriptionThis series consists of building permit applications made to the Melrose Borough Council between October 1900 and March 1903. Melrose Borough amalgamated with Wellington City on 1 April 1903. There are five permit applications that date from April 1903.

Under the Melrose Borough Council Building Bylaw 1900, written application had to be made for permission to erect a building or carry out additions or alterations to an existing building. Applicants had to submit plans and documentation of the work proposed. If the work was in accordance with the borough bylaw a permit was issued and the plans and documentation were held in the office of the Borough Engineer. A register was kept of all applications made.

All documentation relating to each application was filed by permit number. Documentation required included an application form, plans, written specifications and if required structural calculations. The application form recorded the applicant or builder, the owner, description of the work proposed, legal description and street the site is on, and an estimated value. Plans generally include a site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections, and where required structural details. The written specifications outline what materials were used and the work done by the tradesmen involved. There may also be additional plans and documentation submitted by the applicant if changes were made to the building work proposed, or additional information was requested by the Borough Engineer.

Applications generally do not have drainage information. At this time there was no system of public drainage in Melrose Borough, drainage being confined to individual properties.

For any one application the amount of documentation varies. In general earlier applications have less, as do smaller works (for example a house as opposed to a warehouse or office block). Buildings or work drawn up by architects (as opposed to a builder) often have more documentation. Very early applications may only have plans, and generally do not have application forms (although many have a letter of application).

Although there were over 300 permit applications made to the Borough Council only a fraction of these still exist. There is a complete list of applications made in the Melrose District of Wellington building permit register (Series 00334).Quantity (Linear Metres)0.5MediumFileSystem of ArrangementNumerical by application numberCollection TypeWellington City Council

Access Information

Restriction StatusOpen

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyMelrose Borough CouncilRelationship Date Range1886-1903

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Melrose Borough, Building Permit Applications